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Topic Review (Newest First)

04-09-2014 12:42 PM

VDAL

Wow 6?! I don't know if I can't handle that :P And I'm worry about two :P
I've got my husband on board when it comes to helping with exercise, not so much training because it's easier to train my dog then train my husband to train a dog

04-09-2014 12:09 PM

N Smith

Adding a second companion dog was easy, a little harder adding a second IPO dog.

Going from 2-3, no biggie - but 3-4 seemed hard....after that 5 & 6 just slid right in like they were there the whole time! LOL

But honestly, I don't go anywhere that I can't take them all, unless my husband is staying home to look after them. Even then, I have to either take my Shepherds or find someone else to take them, as he cannot provide what they need exercise wise, even on a short term basis. So definitely something to think about, it is way easier to find someone to look after 1 dog, than 2. Although I have friends that will split them up and put them into 2 different homes to be looked after while they are away. Or better yet, get a house sitter!

Other than that, the obvious - double the training, exercise, vet bills, food etc. So I wouldn't say it is an easy undertaking, but since your girl is older, already established etc it won't be so bad if her training takes a back seat for a little while until you can get them both on a system.

04-09-2014 11:58 AM

VDAL

Quote:

Be prepared for sleepless nights to wear your eyes seem like they're popping out of your head because the dogs needs come before your own especially if it's young puppy and 3 1/2 months cannot come quick enough to when things just begin to get a little easier.

Like I wrote before I have 3 year old, so I have been through that
She gave me nice 4 nights, after two I have regret taking puppy :P
But I didn't expect that , so that's why it was a shock for me. Now I'm prepared cause I know what to expect.
I own a house, big yard, so they gonna have a plenty room for themselves.
My friends already agree that if need to they will take them if we have to go somewhere, but I'm planning this time if there is now problems to take them both(Went to Yellowstone 2 years ago and saw so many owners with the dogs that is not even funny ).
My dog is already training fro NW3 level, but there is a class for NW1 just before her class, so I would just have to be an hour early. Also I'm planning to put her for tracking , but him maybe for obedience. In hour school they have plenty classes so I can work around my schedule.
Money wise? I do expect expenses, especially at the beginning. All these shots, check ups etc. , and yes I also take in consideration if there will be any health issues(it's a living creature , something will always come up).
It's a big transition from 0 to 1 dog but I think from 1 to 2 it's just double, but I would like to hear an explanation why it's "TON of work" or " 4x" more work?
I was a rookie, my first "own" dog when I got Nuka, but I've trained her by myself, by reading articles and trying to be responsible owner. Now I hear compliment that she is great dog(from trainers).The new one will be a challenge, cause maybe Nuka was an easy puppy (My friend said that I'm in due for bad puppy :P )
I'm seeing plenty of people having 2-3 dogs so I just thinking that this can't be that hard
I'm asking cause it's closer to the date to pick up the puppy and I'm getting scared, but the same thing I had when I got Nuka...cold feet

04-09-2014 09:02 AM

LaRen616

I personally do not think it is hard having a 2nd dog. Yes it's more money, more trips to the Vet, more time but it's not that big of a difference than having one dog to me.

I take my dogs everywhere I can, I either take them both or just take one but usually I take both.

I think it becomes tricky and more difficult when you add a 3rd dog to the mix.

04-08-2014 11:28 PM

sehrgutcsg

I was exactly where you are now about the beginning of February. My Jack Russel Nelson who is seven years old seems to bark a lot and we thought that getting companion might quiet him down. I had three German Shepherd's many years ago and when the K-9 police dog in Philadelphia was killed it broke my heart and I wanted another animal. That was the deciding factor.

It's been about two months and it's been pretty difficult because you're bringing something new into the family and there's a lot of work involved I'm not going to say that it's not a walk in the park and I'm not going to sugarcoat it.

Be prepared for sleepless nights to wear your eyes seem like they're popping out of your head because the dogs needs come before your own especially if it's young puppy and 3 1/2 months cannot come quick enough to when things just begin to get a little easier.

Since I've had no health issues it's been easier and had I had any health issues along the way in the last 60 days I would be questioning my decisions.

I hope you have as good luck as I have had, and come out with a perfect little puppy to add to your family.

04-08-2014 11:15 PM

VDAL

La Quinta is taking dogs

04-08-2014 09:47 PM

wyoung2153

In the home, no I wouldn't say it was harder.. the training and puppy things, sure, but that's even with one pup. I would say it becomes a little more challenging when you travel.. finding hotels or friends to watch 2 big dogs vs one, was more difficult. I was also living alone at the time I had 2, so I can imagine it being a little easier with 2 or more people int he household.

04-08-2014 09:22 PM

LoveEcho

Adding a second puppy doesn't change you life that much?

One thing to keep in mind if you like to travel, finding a hotel that will take one dog is hard. Finding a hotel that will take two dogs is extremely hard.

The reason why I asked was that I was stressed out to get first dog. I was afraid of life changes(like you can't go everywhere, you need to pick hotels that accepts dogs or find kennel, rush home to take your dog out), but it didn't affect me that much. It was I will say 3 smooth years. Obedience training I did at home(one hour a day), we also train Nose Work(one hour a week)at school, we have trials 2 times a year. I'm planning to sign her also for tracking. We don't have kids, so I have time after work. We love riding on ATVs so she always goes with us to our friends cabin and we keep her when we are on trail. She loves traveling.We can let her out to run freely and she will not run away. So I never felt like I have a dog, I felt like a have a companion.
That's why I was wondering if the other can change that(we not talking influence of temperament ex. high drive puppy, cause this one is a high drive)

04-08-2014 03:33 PM

gsdsar

Its odd. Getting a second dog was a huge adjustment. Getting the third and the occasional fourth(rescue foster) is not as bad. Your original dog is older, better set ways and where your want her. So that makes it easier. I think its a great time to add a new dog. Right now all my dogs are about 3-4 years apart. I think thats perfect.

But remember to not forget your older dog. The puppy will need lots and lots of attention. Make sure you dont forget your adult girl. She is going to need one on one time, training and love as well.

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